Gemma
If you’re wondering whether a Grateful Patient Fundraising Programme is worth the effort — here’s your answer: yes, and then some.
At one of the UK’s leading NHS teaching hospitals, launching the first Grateful Patient Programme delivered transformational results - not just in income, but in culture, reputation, and staff engagement.
Benefits for your fundraising programme:
Pipeline of new donors (lower Cost Per Acquisition)
Improved fundraising ROI
Increase in staff awareness and willingness to refer
Increased average gifts
New major gifts
Staff confidence: trained staff feel comfortable referring patients.
Growth in Unrestricted income
Fund advisors spend their funds more strategically and collaboratively
Improved charity reputation improved
NHS staff feel uplifting through fundraising involvement.
New fundraising projects identified
Better understanding of fund levies among clinical teams.
The charity becomes a strategic partner — not just a support service.
Why This Matters for NHS Charities
Grateful Patient Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money. It’s about:
Creating meaningful ways for patients to say thank you
Building stronger relationships between the hospital and its charity
Embedding philanthropy into the culture of care
Unlocking new income streams for the NHS — even without a capital campaign
And most importantly, it’s about showing your hospital what’s possible when fundraising is done with empathy, professionalism, and purpose.
Would you like help benchmarking your current position or designing a pilot that fits your hospital’s size and culture?